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Shedd Aquarium

The Growing Place - Aurora

2000 Montgomery Road, Aurora, IL 60504

Gardens

Open-air garden center and gift shop offering classes and tours.

Started from bare ground in 1989, The Growing Place has grown into a garden oasis for all who visit. The trees are maturing and the gardens are thriving. Our gift shop is located in a historical landmark — a farmhouse, circa 1860, we moved to the property in 2000. Kids and adults can let their imaginations run free while exploring our display gardens, especially the hidden garden over the bridge! Our 18-acre Aurora location is also home to our production facilities where we grow most of our perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetable plants and mums for both locations — making our plants very locally grown!

What's happening nearby...

Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific at The Paramount Theatre

Paramount Theatre •  Apr 29 – Jun 14

Set on a tropical island during World War II, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific at the Paramount Theatre follows U.S. military personnel through romance, drama, and…

Read more about Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific at The Paramount Theatre

The Second City Laughing for all the Wrong Reasons at Copley Theatre

Copley Theatre •  May 28 – Jun 20

Celebrating its 67th anniversary in 2026, the world’s most influential name in comedy, The Second City, is thrilled to return to Paramount’s Copley Theatre with their…

Read more about The Second City Laughing for all the Wrong Reasons at Copley Theatre

Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race

McCullough Park •  Jun 06 @ 8:30AM

Paddle the Fox River at Aurora’s Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race! Choose your course, race solo or with a team, and enjoy a festive finish at…

Read more about Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race

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